Thursday, May 9, 2013

Review: True

TRUE
Erin McCarthy
Contemporary New Adult
238 pages
InterMix/Penguin
Available Now
Received from publisher via NetGalley

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…


MY THOUGHTS
True is an utter delight to read, giving us characters rich in personality and charm who live lives full of a gritty realism we can't help but appreciate. Family plays a huge role in this story, with Rory and Tyler's families shaping them into the people they are and influencing their lives in both healthy and unhealthy ways, adding light and shadow to their worlds and creating a heartbreaking beauty through the contrast. While Rory and Tyler's romance does follow a predictable path to its conclusion (would we really want to read a romance that didn't end happily for the couple though?), at every crossroads in their relationship–both minor and major–Rory chooses the road so often less traveled in young adult and new adult fiction, opting to save herself and Tyler from unnecessary drama and in doing so completely winning us over.

Though typically in a romance like this the tattooed, sexually-experienced boy with a troubled past would be the swoon-worthy standout, the character who occupies 90% of our hearts and leaves only a measly 10% for the heroine and secondary characters, it's Rory who is the highlight. Normally a young woman who is exceedingly honest and often blunt can cross the line from endearing to abrasive, coming across as cool and indifferent and thereby keeping both those around them as well as readers at arm's length. Rory never once crosses that line, her honest approach to all situations with Tyler something we want to wrap around our shoulders and snuggle into because we find it so blissfully comforting.

When Rory is unsure where she stands with Tyler, she simply asks him. When they have an argument and he tries to leave without a resolution in place, she goes after him, explains how his actions made her feel and coaxes him to do the same. She never demands a certain reaction from him or throws the weight of her anger or embarrassment around, instead she puts herself out there first and asks through word or deed that he help her to balance on the fragile tightrope they're walking with their relationship, and in response he's able to open up to her in a way he never has with anyone else. The two of them together feel solid and genuine, and just as they trust the other with their hearts, we know we can trust them with ours, free to fall madly in love with them without worrying it will all blow up in our faces with cruel games, revenge antics, or monstrous miscommunications.

Overall, True is everything we could wish for when we crack the spine, love, laughter, and life splashed on the pages in all their glory and their pain, sweeping us of our feet with a bit of realistic escapism and then returning us firmly to the ground with a grin of supreme satisfaction when it's all over.

Rating: 4.5/5
 

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47 comments:

  1. Oh you had me at "True is an utter delight" but you made me stay with "opting to save herself and Tyler from unnecessary drama". Could it be...a well written New Adult novel with an actual story to go along with the romance? Your review seems to say that! I am elated! I've been searching for this novel! Thank you for your reassuring (yes I want my romances to end happily) review of what sounds like a really well written novel. I can't wait to read it!

    Heather

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    1. YES HEATHER!!!! I loved Rory so much. At every romantic crossroads so to speak, she chose the path of honesty and didn't play any games. I could have hugged her:) I need to read more of Erin's backlist now:)

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  2. I admit I was a little wary when I first read the blurb to True, I thought it would follow the typical New Adult route (you can probably tell I've been burned quite a bit by this genre recently). But I think you convinced me in giving True a go, when you described Rory's character. I like her strength and the fact that she doesn't beat around the bush. I have my fingers crossed that I will enjoy this just as much as you did Jenny. Thanks for putting this on my radar!

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    1. I really hope you do too Jasprit. I was a little nervous going in that there would be lots of drama and angst, but the drama came from outside the relationship rather than from within. Rory took everything in stride and didn't seek to hurt Tyler back when he inadvertently hurts her. LOVED.

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  3. I did get the ebook but then I read it was YA and was all..eh

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    1. It's new adult so maybe you'll like that better:) Definitely has some steamier moments!

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  4. NA still...makes me nervous. Not in a bad way, just in a I'm-not-sure-what-I'm-getting-into way. But EASY was awesome and set the bar exceptionally high for future NA reads. I LOVED the dynamics between the two characters and have a total girl-crush on Rory.

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    1. I loved Easy too Mary, it was my first NA and will always be a favorite. This I thought was right up there though:)

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  5. OMG. I loved this book. Like, LOVED. The only thing that made me frustrated was her supposed best friends paying a guy to take her V card. Seriously? Those aren't friends, sweetie.

    But Tyler and Rory are just so fantastic. I loved hearing about Tyler's family and how Rory interacted with them. And I cannot wait for the next book!

    Awesome review, Jenny!

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    1. Yes, I'm not at all sure what they were thinking. I have no idea how being laid and left by someone like Tyler would be the confidence boost for Rory her friends were going for. Especially being laid and left when it's her first time! *facepalm* They meant well, they were just completely clueless I think.

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  6. You know, I haven't read much (okay, any) NA, but I have to say that TRUE really does sound amazing. A protagonist that actually goes ahead and says what she is feeling? She doesn't beat around the bush and actually acts? You had me at that! I think I'll need to add this to my TBR now. Brilliant thoughts, as per usual, Jenny :)

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    1. I love, love, LOVED Rory. She just didn't have it in her to play any games, and there are several moments when she could have stayed quiet and let the hurt fester, but instead she marches right up to Tyler and is like "listen, that hurt, and it's not okay". She's awesome.

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  7. Wait, wait - so a protag that avoids creating any unnecessary romantic drama? That sounds unbelievable! Seriously. I love that Rory was the standout instead of the guy. She sounds very mature and I know I would love her, too. Maybe I ought to give this New Adult thing another shot. Very insightful review, Jenny!

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    1. YES! IT'S A MIRACLE! I may or may not have danced around my family room with my Kindle whenever Rory chose the path of least drama:) Tyler is awesome, but Rory was definitely my favorite aspect of the story.

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  8. I like the sound of Rory! A LOT! We need more of her in YA/NA from what you have said. I like a girl who just lays what she is thinking out on the table instead of jumping back and forth in her head all the damn time! I have this one and now I really can't wait to finally read it! Great review as always, Jenny!

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    1. Yes. I wish every character came with Rory's approach to life and romantic situations. I just didn't feel any stress while reading this book because I knew Rory would handle whatever came up, and she wouldn't do anything exceedingly dumb when she was hurt. SO GOOD JENNI!

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  9. I am glad Rory stands out in this because you are right so often the bad boy steal the show (and our hearts!) and everyone else if overshadowed.

    I am so glad I picked this one up on Tuesday, I really think I will love it too.

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    1. Can't wait to see what you think! I really hope you love it as much as I did:)

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  10. I am kicking myself for letting this e-galley expire. It sounds like something I would like, but I never got around to it. Rory and Tyler's relationship sounds swoon-worthy. Great review, Jenny!

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    1. It's swoon worthy for sure, and I loved the focus on both of their families in addition to the focus on their romance. It really helped me see why the two of them are the way they are:)

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  11. GAH! Another book I so need to read. I feel like I'm falling behind Jenny! LOL! Anyways, nice review as always :)

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    1. I'm always behind Savy, it's okay. I don't think we'll ever catch up to all the awesome that keeps coming out!

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  12. At first I wasn't crazy about the premise. I hate when friends feel the need to intervene like that. However, the rest of it, the romance and relationship sounds really great. I think it takes a talented writer to portray Rory in the way you described and I kind of want to read this just to see how she is written. Thank you for another wonderful review.

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    1. The premise made me nervous as well, I hate knowing something like that that the character doesn't know and then dreading when they're going to inevitably find out, but Rory finds out fairly early on and she handles it perfectly. I saw a lot of myself in Rory, I've never been one for games and I can be antisocial and awkward, so she just really resonated with me. Not everyone will love her as much as I did, but I do hope you give this book a try!

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  13. Oh, wow, there are really heroines like Rory out there?! I am shocked! Shocked, I tell you! I didn't request this one because my schedule was full already, but I'll now admit that I probably made a mistake. Gah.
    In all honesty, I have nothing against predictable romances. Quite the contrary, I don't read contemporary romance often, but when I do, I want it angst-free, and I definitely want my HEA. What's the point otherwise?
    Fabulously worded review as usual, Jenny!

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  14. This one sounds gooooood, Jenny. Good in the way that it avoids overdone tropes in romance novels. And...I like that.

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  15. I tried because I like Erin but I just don't think I can do non-paranormal YA/NA is for me. :( I wish it was :)

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  16. Hmmm...I'd normally pass on this without a second glance...I don't read NA or really much contemporary YA but this kind of has me interested...

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  17. Cool! This sounds refreshing. I like that Rory sounds like such a strong heroine. I also think it's cool that family is such a big focus. That doesn't happen often enough.

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  18. OOH YEAH BABY! I just downloaded this today after reading another 4.5 review and now I am dancing because you and I are so closely aligned with our tastes..woot! Wonderful review and I cannot wait to meet Rory!

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  19. I was so disappointed when I missed this one on Netgalley!!! :( but its on Amazon now! I'm all over it!!! Super excited!!!

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  20. To tell you the truth I didn't want to read this book just because it sounded like any other NA book. I have problem with it as they are typical. You know good girl, bad boy and he is actually an angel and all that. But I must admit that this one sounds like something else from your review! I think I'll maybe give it a try. Great review Jenny :)

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  22. You know I don't often go for these contemp books, but often find myself enjoying it. Still, I'm always cautious it will end up being the same ol' (although it doesn't bother me in PNR and UF... go figure). I've also been wanting to try a book by her. You have totally convinced me to add to my wishlist and this may be the one I start with this author. These characters sound so interesting! Ah... and I almost passed this one by thinking it was just the same as all the others!

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  23. Jenny! I was so determined NOT to request this! You know how I feel about drama in contemporary romance (with the exception of a few titles!), so I'm beyond thrilled to hear that there is little miscommunication in this one. It drives me insane when characters don't simply just TALK to each other. ;) Fantastic review!

    *must stay away from NetGalley!*

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  24. Woah, I haven't heard of this one before, but this one seems right up my alley! I'll have to check it out at once. Great review, Jenny! :D

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  25. I love the sound of Rory. It sounds like she a no games, no bs kind of girl, and I really appreciate that in contemporary YA/NA, because often pointless games are the sole source of drama in these. I'm definitely going to give this one a shot! Great review Jenny :-)

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  26. I have to admit, I'm getting tired of New Adult but the fact that you loved this one makes me reconsider picking it up! Rory sounds like a really strong, blunt character that I'll probably root for. And I love it when family is involved in romances! So happy to see that you enjoyed this one, great review, Jenni!

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  27. Wow, I rarely see such a high rating from you. Will have to check this out! I love NA. (And troubled book boyfriends).

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  28. Jenny I've also got this in my TBR (Netgalley) and I'm now looking forward to reading it more so than before. Great review!

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  29. No games huh? Sounds like a winner! I have been staying away from contemporary romance just because the all the crazy drama drives me nuts! This sounds like it avoids that well though.

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  30. That last paragraph of your review was just stunningly superb. One of your best in awhile and that is saying something! I impulse grabbed this for review and I am so happy to hear my rash decision isn't leading me down a painful path!

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  31. Oh, I have this one too, Jenny. I was excited to read it but even more so after reading your lovely review. I love that there's no games and actual rational decisions in this story. I'm like you, of course I want the HEA! Maybe I'll bump this up and read it sooner. Excellent review. :)

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  32. This is the second glowing review I have read on this today. I have it on my Kindle and i am going to have to make time for this soon. Your comment, "True is an utter delight to read.." has me sold.

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  33. I can say without hesitation that when I first heard about True, it sounded like pretty much ever other New Adult on the block. Another book about an inexperienced girl and a tattooed guy? I've been highly disappointed by this category of books so I'm not sure I'll give this a try but I will admit: your review is making me want to read it!

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  34. I normally don't read New Adult, but I may give this one a try just because of the MC. She sounds awesome and I love that she's honest and does her best to avoid drama. Thanks for the recommendation, Jenny.

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  35. I have been reading Erin for years (I remember her first adult romance novel- I brought to my Grandmother's and when she started to read it I wanted to die cause it was a wee bit steamy, and I didn't want my grandma to know I was reading that stuff). I am excited to see she's ventured into NA and I am eager to check this one out. I am also pleased to see that you enjoyed it. That is a a bonus.

    Great review,

    Sara @ Just Another Story

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